Fontaine du Fellah

The Fontaine du Fellah is a neoclassical fountain on Rue de Sèvres featuring a central figure holding two water vessels positioned against a semicircular basin set into a wall. The structure combines sculptural elements with decorative details including a bronze lion head and imperial eagle at the crown.

Built in 1806 under Napoleon's rule, this fountain was part of a larger network of 15 water structures distributing water from the Canal de l'Ourcq throughout the city. It represents a key moment in Napoleon's efforts to modernize Paris's water infrastructure.

The name refers to the Egyptian imagery of the central figure holding two water vessels, blending Eastern and Western artistic traditions in a way that reflects early 19th-century tastes. Visitors can observe how this fusion of styles was typical of the neoclassical period when exotic influences fascinated European artists.

The fountain sits on Rue de Sèvres near Vaneau metro station in the 7th arrondissement and is easily reached on foot from surrounding neighborhoods. Note that water stopped flowing in 2005 due to structural issues affecting the metro tunnel below, so today it serves as a sculptural landmark rather than a functioning water feature.

The statue was modeled after Antinous, a figure discovered from Emperor Hadrian's villa at Tivoli, giving the fountain a rare connection to ancient Roman sources. Three different French artists contributed to the decorative elements across different periods, making it an unusual example of artistic collaboration.